When Catholicism meets the EU: it’s not always Euroenthusiasm

Simona Guerra

doi:10.21697/p.2016.1.02

Published: 2018-04-17

No. 1 (2016)

When Catholicism meets the EU: it’s not always Euroenthusiasm

Simona Guerra

Politologia

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.21697/p.2016.1.02

Abstract

This paper examines why, when and how Catholicism adopts a Eurosceptic narrative and whether religious Euroscepticism can emerge in post-communist countries, also comparing how the narrative changed before and after accession. The scope is threefold: (i) first, it seeks to provide an in-depth study on Catholicism and European integration. While religion
has generally been considered as supportive of a positive attitude toward the European Union (EU), this analysis shows it can also become an element of Euroscepticism; (ii) second, it focuses on the case study of Poland, using CBOS and PNES data; and (iii) third, it suggests an original framework, and explores, from a comparative perspective, when and how the Roman Catholic Church (or a branch thereof) has sought an alliance with a political party.

Keywords:

Catholicism, EU integration, Euroscepticism, Poland, public opinion

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Guerra, S. (2018). When Catholicism meets the EU: it’s not always Euroenthusiasm. Politologia, (1), 25–45. https://doi.org/10.21697/p.2016.1.02

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